Jennifer Nettles is the first-ever recipient of the CMT Equal Play Award.

During Wednesday night's CMT Music Awards, the Sugarland singer was recognized for her ongoing fight for equality on country radio.

"Jennifer Nettles is that rare artist who speaks her truth, calling out injustice wherever she sees it," CMT senior vice president Leslie Fram said in a statement. "Her commitment to equal female representation across the board in the music industry embodies the spirit of our Equal Play Initiative and makes her the perfect recipient of the inaugural CMT Equal Play Award."

After the presentation of the award, a three-minute video was played featuring testimonials from Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, Maren Morris, Cam, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Mickey Guyton and Gabby Barrett.

"Thank you so much! I have been so excited about this — I put on eyeshadow, okay, and it has been a while," Nettles' said while accepting the award. "Thank you so much for this honor CMT, thank you to CMT Equal Play, Leslie Fram, everyone on the Equal Play team who has been so supportive from the beginning. Thank you to all the fans, and especially my artists, my sisters out there who continue to burn the holy fire."

"I am so proud to be a part of this legacy of women in country music with you, and I am so proud of the stories that we tell," she concluded. "We have more to do as soon as we can, and I can't wait to do it alongside you, holding your hands. Thank you so very much."

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